Obi to FG: Prioritize investment in education over infrastructure

Frontline presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Peter Obi, has intensified his call for the Nigerian government to prioritize education and human capital development over physical infrastructure.

He warned that underinvestment in education continues to undermine Nigeria’s development.

Obi made the call on Tuesday while delivering a keynote address at the Fourth Public Lecture of Coal City University, Enugu, themed “Repositioning Nigeria’s Education Sector: Private Sector Partnership for National Growth and Global Competitiveness.”

He maintained that sustainable development is driven by human capital rather than concrete, citing China and India as examples of nations that achieved rapid growth by investing heavily in technology and education

The former Anambra State governor described strong investment in education as the foundation for leadership, productivity, and innovation.

He noted that Nigeria continues to lag behind in key development indicators due to weak investment in education and healthcare.

Obi cited Human Development Index (HDI) indicators such as life expectancy, literacy rate, and income per capita, arguing that education remains the most critical driver of national progress.

He expressed concern over Nigeria’s education challenges, including high numbers of out-of-school children, which he said hinder productivity and economic growth.

According to him, improved funding and stronger support for both public and private education institutions are necessary to address systemic gaps and improve outcomes.

Obi also called for stronger collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders to enhance access to quality education and promote innovation.

Chairman of the lecture and former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, dismissed the notion that “education is a scam,” attributing such sentiments to policy inconsistencies that have left many graduates unemployable.

He stressed the need for continuity in education policy and stronger mentorship structures beyond the classroom to improve graduate outcomes.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of Coal City University, Prof. Afam Itcha-Ituma, said the institution’s Distinguished Speaker Series is designed to promote intellectual engagement and expose students to real-world ideas that support societal development.

He added that the platform brings together academics, professionals, and industry leaders to contribute to national discourse and knowledge advancement.